The class includes eight women, the most in a probationary class in 21 years.

Of the 318 cadets, 27 percent are black, 37 percent are Hispanic and 2 percent are Asian.

"This new class of probationary firefighters is a testament to the outstanding work by the department to meet our long-standing goal of diversifying our ranks and better representing the city we serve," Cassano said.

Minority groups have been very critical of the FDNY for not doing enough to make firehouses more diverse.

The Vulcan Society has sued the FDNY and the city over the issue, and the case is ongoing.